Information storage system

ABSTRACT

An information storage system which can be used by only those users who are previously permitted to access the system is provided. The information storage system has a first information storage device for accessing a first removable recording medium and a second information storage device for accessing a second removable recording medium. An access controller controls access to the first removable recording medium by the first information storage device based on a result of access to the second removable recording medium by the second information storage device prior to access to the first removable recording medium by the first information storage device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information storage system, and inparticular to an information storage system which stores information ina removable recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, a storage capacity of a removable recording medium which isused in information storage systems has become large. Thus, a largeamount of information can be easily and quickly taken away by beingrecorded on the removable recording medium. For this reason, it isdesired to improve security for information.

In a large-scale computer, security of the system can be maintainedsince the places in which the system is installed are relatively limitedand only people having permission can enter those places. Additionally,a user is required to enter a password in order to access importantdata. Thus, it is not easy to access information in the case of thelarge-scale computer.

On the other hand, a personal computer, which has rapidly become widespread, can be set in any place and anyone can easily access the system.With the recent spread of the personal computer, important data hasbecome handled by the personal computer. Additionally, a storagecapacity of a storage device of a removable recording medium type usedin the personal computer has become large. For example, it is possibleto record 640 MB of data in a single recording medium in the case of anoptical disk apparatus such as a phase-change type optical disk (PD)apparatus and a magneto-optic disk apparatus, or a large capacity floppydisk apparatus.

FIG. 1 shows a system structure diagram of an example of a conventionalinformation processing system. In the conventional system 50, amagneto-optic disk apparatus 52 is connected to a personal computer 51via a SCSI interface. Information is recorded on and reproduced from amagneto-optic disk 53 which is mounted in the magneto-optic diskapparatus 52. In the conventional information processing system 50, nosecurity is provided for the magneto-optic disk apparatus 52.

Therefore, if no security is provided for the personal computer 51,important data stored in a built-in hard disk of the personal computer51 can be taken away by copying the data to the magneto-optic disk 53 bymeans of the magneto-optic disk apparatus 52. In this case, a largeamount of data corresponding to an amount of data stored in severalhundred floppy disks can be quickly and secretly taken away, because themagneto-optic disk 53 has a maximum capacity as large as 640 MB or even1.3 GB.

Additionally, data which is stored in the magneto-optic disk 53 can beinstantly copied or deleted. The conventional information processingsystem 50 has no protection against such a situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aninformation storage system which can be used by only those users who arepreviously permitted to access the system.

The above-mentioned object of the present invention can be achieved byan information storage system comprising:

a first information storage device for accessing a first removablerecording medium;

a second information storage device for accessing a second removablerecording medium; and

an access controller for controlling access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device based on aresult of access to the second removable recording medium by the secondinformation storage device prior to access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device.

According to the invention, since access to the first removablerecording medium is permitted in accordance with the result of access tothe second removable recording medium, a user who does not have thesecond removable recording medium cannot access the first removablerecording medium. Hence, the security provided for information of thefirst information storage device can be improved.

In the above information storage system, the second information storagedevice may comprise a medium detector for detecting the second removablerecording medium mounted in a predetermined position where the secondremovable recording medium can be accessed by the second informationstorage device.

In this case, the access controller may permit the first informationstorage device to access the first removable recording medium when themedium detector detects the second removable recording medium mounted inthe predetermined position.

According to the invention, since access to the first removablerecording medium is permitted when the medium detector detects thesecond removable recording medium mounted in the second informationstorage device, a user who does not have the second removable recordingmedium cannot access the first removable recording medium. Hence, thesecurity provided for information of the first information storagedevice can be improved.

The access controller may turn on power supply to the first informationstorage device when the medium detector detects the second removablerecording medium mounted in the predetermined position.

According to the invention, when the second removable recording mediumis not mounted in the second information storage device, the firstinformation storage device cannot access the first removable recordingmedium since the first information storage device is not supplied withpower. Hence, a user who does not have the second removable recordingmedium cannot access the first removable recording medium, and as aresult, the security provided for information of the first informationstorage device can be improved.

In the above-mentioned information storage system, the secondinformation storage device may comprise a information reader for readingout information recorded on the second removable recording medium.

In this case, the second removable recording medium may be provided withaccess permission information recorded thereon; and

the access controller may control access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device based on theaccess permission information read by the information reader.

According to the invention, since access to the first removablerecording medium is controlled in accordance with the access permissioninformation recorded on the second removable recording medium, thesecurity provided for information of the first information storagedevice can be improved.

The access permission information may comprise write permissioninformation for permitting the first information storage device to writeinformation to the first removable recording medium.

In this case, the access controller may permit the first informationstorage device to write information to the first removable recordingmedium when the write permission information is valid.

According to the invention, write access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device can berestricted based on the write permission information. Hence, it ispossible to prevent information from being taken away after having beenrecorded on the first removable recording medium, and thus, the securityprovided for information of the first information storage device can befurther improved.

The access permission information may comprise read permissioninformation for permitting the first information storage device to readinformation from the first removable recording medium.

In this case, the access controller may permit the first informationstorage device to read information from the first removable recordingmedium when the read permission information is valid.

According to the invention, read access to the first removable recordingmedium by the first information storage device can be restricted basedon the read permission information. Hence, it is possible to preventinformation from being easily read out from the first removablerecording medium, and thus, the security provided for information of thefirst information storage device can be improved.

The access permission information may comprise a control program forcontrolling the access controller; and

the access controller may control access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device in accordancewith the control program.

According to the invention, since the first removable recording mediumcannot be accessed without the second removable recording medium beingprovided with the control program recorded thereon, the securityprovided for information of the first information storage device can beimproved.

The information storage system may further comprise a control programsetting part for validating or invalidating the control program.

In this case, the access controller may control access to the firstremovable recording medium by the first information storage device inaccordance with the control program when the control program isvalidated by the control program setting part; and

the access controller may control access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device irrespective ofthe control program when the control program is invalidated by thecontrol program setting part.

According to the invention, since the control program can be easilyvalidated or invalidated by the control program setting part, it ispossible to change an extent of the security in accordance with varioussituations.

The above-mentioned object can also be achieved by an informationstorage system comprising:

a first information storage device for accessing a first removablerecording medium;

a second information storage device for accessing a second removablerecording medium to read out first access permission informationrecorded on the second removable recording medium;

an access permission information storage part for storing second accesspermission information; and

an access controller for permitting the first information storage deviceto access the first removable recording medium when the first accesspermission information read out by the second information storage deviceand the second access permission information stored in the accesspermission information storage part satisfy a predetermined condition.

According to the present invention, the access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device can becontrolled in accordance with the first access permission informationrecorded on the second removable recording medium and the second accesspermission information stored in the access permission informationstorage part. Thus, more sophisticated access control can be achieved sothat the security provided for information of the first informationstorage device is further improved.

In the above information storage system, the access controller maypermit the first information storage device to access the firstremovable recording medium when the first access permission informationcorresponds to the second access permission information.

According to the present invention, the first removable recording mediumcan be accessed by only those who have the second removable recordingmedium containing the first access permission information correspondingto the second access permission information stored in the accesspermission information storage part. Thus, the security provided forinformation of the first information storage device can be improved.

The first access permission information may comprise write permissioninformation for permitting the first information storage device to writeinformation to the first removable recording medium.

According to the invention, since write access to the first removablerecording medium can be restricted based on the write permissioninformation, it is possible to prevent information from being taken awayafter having been recorded on the first removable recording medium.Thus, the security provided for information of the first informationstorage device can be further improved.

The first access permission information may comprise read permissioninformation for permitting the first information storage device to readinformation from the first removable recording medium.

According to the invention, since read access to the first removablerecording medium can be restricted based on the read permissioninformation, it is possible to prevent information from being easilyread out from the first removable recording medium. Thus, the securityprovided for information of the first information storage device can befurther improved.

The access controller may permit the first information storage device towrite information to the first removable recording medium when the writepermission information is valid.

According to the invention, security against write access to the firstremovable recording medium can be easily changed based on the writepermission information.

The access controller may permit the first information storage device toread information from the first removable recording medium when the readpermission information is valid.

According to the invention, security against read access to the firstremovable recording medium can be easily changed based on the readpermission information.

The first access permission information may comprise a control programfor controlling the access controller; and

the access controller may control access to the first removablerecording medium by the first information storage device in accordancewith the control program.

According to the invention, since the first removable recording mediumcannot be accessed without the second removable recording mediumprovided with the control program recorded thereon, the securityprovided for information of the first information storage device can beimproved.

The information storage system may further comprise a control programsetting part for validating or invalidating the control program.

In this case, the access controller controls access to the firstremovable recording medium by the first information storage device inaccordance with the control program when the control program isvalidated by the control program setting part; and

the access controller controls access to the first removable recordingmedium by the first information storage device irrespective of thecontrol program when the control program is invalidated by the controlprogram setting part.

According to the invention, the access controller controls access to thefirst removable recording medium based on the validity of the controlprogram. Thus, it is possible to change an extent of the securityagainst access to the first removable recording medium in accordancewith various situations.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will beapparent from the following detailed description when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system structure diagram of a conventional informationprocessing system;

FIG. 2 is a system structure diagram of an information storage system ofan embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the information storage system of theembodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a user ID managementtable of the embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structure diagram of an IC card of the embodimentaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of the IC card of theembodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an operation of an MO controller of theembodiment according to the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an information storage system of anotherembodiment according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 2 shows a system structure diagram of an information processingsystem 1 of an embodiment of the present invention. In the informationprocessing system 1, an information storage system 2 according to thepresent invention is connected to a personal computer 3.

The information storage system 2 includes a magneto-optic disk recordingand reproducing unit 5 and an IC card reader unit 7, both of which areattached to a housing 8. A magneto-optic disk cartridge 4 containing amagneto-optic disk is mounted in the magneto-optic disk recording andreproducing unit 5. The unit 5 records and reproduces data on themagneto-optic disk. On the other hand, an IC card 6 is mounted in the ICcard reader unit 7. The IC card reader unit 7 controls the operation ofthe magneto-optic disk recording and reproducing unit 5.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the information storage system 2 of thepresent embodiment. Connectors 11, 12 are provided on a rear face of themagneto-optic disk recording and reproducing unit 5. The connector 11 isconnected to a SCSI connector of the personal computer 3 via a SCSIcable 13. On the other hand, the connector 12 is connected to aterminator 15. The SCSI connector, which is provided integrally with aSCSI board, is exposed on a rear face of the personal computer 3.

The SCSI board is mounted in an extension slot inside the personalcomputer 3 for connecting with an ISA bus or a PCI bus, and provides aninterface between the personal computer 3 and a device connected to theSCSI connector.

The connectors 11, 12 are connected to an interface circuit 14 insidethe magneto-optic disk recording and reproducing unit 5. The interfacecircuit 14 identifies an ID which is previously assigned to theapparatus, and establishes a connection between the magneto-optic diskrecording and reproducing unit 5 and the personal computer 3.

When another apparatus is to be connected through the SCSI, a connectorof that apparatus is connected to the connector 12. Otherwise, aterminator 15 is connected to the connector 12.

The interface circuit 14 is connected to an MO controller 16. The MOcontroller 15 controls recording and reproduction of information on themagnet-optic disk 17 based on a command issued by the personal computer3.

In addition to the interface circuit 14, a RAM 18, a ROM 19, a user IDmanagement table 20, a bias coil driver 21, an optical system driver 22,an actuator driver 23, a focusing and tracking actuator driver 24, aspindle driver 25, the IC card reader unit 7 and a dip switch 36 areconnected to the MO controller 16.

A control program for controlling recording and reproduction of themagneto-optic disk 17 is expanded in the RAM 18. Additionally, the RAM18 temporarily stores data which is supplied from the interface circuit14 and data which is to be transferred through the interface circuit 14to the personal computer 3. On the other hand, the ROM 19 contains aninitializing program and various programs for controlling the MOcontroller 16.

The user ID management table 20 manages IDs of users who are permittedto use the information storage system 2. FIG. 4 shows a data structureof the user ID management table 20 of the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, IDs comprising 8 digit alphanumeric letters such as“9600001A” and “9600002A”, which are identical to IDs of IC cards ownedby the users who are permitted to use the information storage system 2,are previously registered in the user ID management table 20. In a casewhere a plurality of users are permitted to use the information storagesystem 2, a plurality of IDs are registered in the user ID managementtable 20 as shown in FIG. 4.

In the system shown in FIG. 3, the bias coil driver 21 supplies a biascurrent to a bias coil 26 in response to a control signal delivered fromthe MO controller 16. The bias coil 26 applies a bias magnetic field tothe magneto-optic disk 17 when information is recorded.

The optical system driver 22 supplies an operating signal to an opticalsystem 27 in response to a control signal delivered from the MOcontroller 16. The optical system 27 generates a laser light which is tobe applied to the magneto-optic disk 17 when information is recorded orreproduced.

The actuator driver 23 supplies an operating signal to an actuator 29 inresponse to a control signal delivered from the MO controller 16. Theactuator 29 actuates the bias coil 26 along with an optical pickup 28 ina radial direction (a direction shown by an arrow A) of themagneto-optic disk 17. The optical pickup 28 projects the laser lightsupplied from the optical system 27 onto the magneto-optic disk 17 whilecontrolling focusing and tracking of the laser light.

The focusing and tracking actuator driver 24 supplies an operatingsignal to the optical pickup 28 in response to a control signaldelivered from the MO controller 16. The optical pickup 28 controls thefocusing and tracking in accordance with the operating signal suppliedfrom the driver 24.

The IC card reader unit 7 comprises a contact part 33, an IC cardcontroller 34, and an IC card insertion detecting switch 35. The contactpart 33 provides a connection to a contact 32 of an IC card 31. The ICcard controller 34 is connected to the contact part 33 and provides aninterface to the IC card 31. The IC card insertion detecting switch 35detects the IC card 31 inserted in a predetermined position of the ICcard reader unit 7.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic structure diagram of the IC card 31. The ICcard 31 (6) comprises an LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit 37 andelectrodes 38. The LSI is embedded in a plastic card 39. The electrodes38 are connected to the LSI circuit 37 and exposed on the surface of theIC card 31. The LSI 37 is integrally formed with a RAM, a ROM, anEEPROM, a CPU and an interface circuit, and is connected to an externalcircuit via the electrodes 38. The EEPROM of the IC card 31 containsdata such as a name or an ID of an owner of the IC card 31.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram for illustrating contents of the EEPROM of the ICcard 31. The EEPROM of the IC card 31 is provided with first to seventhfields as follows.

The first field has a data size of 32 bytes, and a user name is recordedtherein, for example, in an ASCII code.

The second field has a data size of 8 bytes, and the user identificationnumber is recorded therein, for example, in an ASCII code.

The third field has a data size of 1 byte, and the access right relatingto read access is recorded in the first bit while the access rightrelating to write access is recorded in the second bit, with “1”indicating valid and “0” indicating invalid, for example. The other bitsof the third field are reserved.

The fourth field has a data size of 7 bytes and is reserved.

The fifth field has a data size of 64 bytes and stores a header fortransmitting the data recorded on the next (sixth) field.

The sixth field has a data size of 512 Kbytes and stores a controlprogram such as a program for encryption.

The seventh field corresponds to the remaining part of the EEPROM and isreserved.

When the IC card 31 is inserted in the predetermined position of the ICcard reader unit 7 of the information storage system 2, the electrodes38 are brought into contact with the contact part 33 so that electricpower and a control signal are supplied to the IC card 31 from the ICcard controller 34. In this case, the IC card 31 outputs the contents ofthe memory to the IC card-controller 34 in response to the controlsignal supplied therefrom.

The IC card controller 34 is connected to the MO controller 16, andsupplies the data read out from the IC card 31 to the MO controller 16.Additionally, the MO controller 16 is connected to the IC card insertiondetecting switch 35 and the dip switch 36. The dip switch 36 is used toset whether the control program stored in the IC card 31 is to be usedor not.

The MO controller 16 controls a response to an access command issued bythe personal computer 3 in accordance with a state of the IC cardinsertion detecting switch 35, a state of the dip switch 36 and thecontents of the memory of the IC card 31.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an operation of the MO controller 16 whenthe magneto-optic disk 17 is accessed. When the personal computer 3demands to access the magneto-optic disk 17, it issues a “test unitready” command. When the “test unit ready” command is issued by thepersonal computer 3 in step S1-1, the MO controller 16 determineswhether or not the IC card 31 is inserted based on the state (ON or OFF)of the IC card insertion detecting switch 35 in step S1-2.

If it is determined that the IC card 31 is not inserted in step S1-2, acommand error signal is returned to the personal computer 3 in stepS1-3. When the command error signal is returned to the personal computer3 in response to the “test unit ready” command, the personal computer 3only recognizes that the magneto-optic disk cartridge 4 is not inserted,and this has no disadvantageous effect on the personal computer 3. Inthis case, the personal computer 3 may display a message for prompting auser to insert the IC card or a message such as “This magneto-optic diskcartridge cannot be used.” to indicate that write access is notpermitted

If, in step S1-2, it is determined that the IC card 31 is inserted, thenin step S1-4, the MO controller 16 controls the IC card controller 34 toread the contents of the IC card 31. The data read out from the IC card31 is supplied to the MO controller 16 via the IC card controller 34 andstored in the RAM 18.

In the next step S1-5, it is determined whether or not the user ID ofthe IC card 31 is registered in the user ID management table 20, thatis, whether or not the user who has inserted the IC card 31 is permittedto use the information storage system 2, by comparing the user ID of theIC card 31 with the contents of the user ID management table 20. If theuser ID of the IC card 31 is not registered in the user ID managementtable 20 in step S1-5, an error signal is returned to the personalcomputer 3 in step S1-3. On the other hand, if the user ID of the ICcard 31 is registered in the user ID management table 20, a readycommand is returned to the personal computer 3 to indicate that accessto the magneto-optic disk 17 is permitted.

In the next step S1-7, the MO controller 16 detects the state of the dipswitch 36. If the dip switch 36 is set in a state to use the controlprogram stored in the IC card 31, the control program is read out fromthe IC card 31 through the IC card controller 34, expanded in the RAM 18and then started in step S1-8.

In the present embodiment, the determination whether or not the controlprogram is to be used is made based on the state of the dip switch 36provided to the system. However, the determination may be made based oncontrol program setting information stored in the IC card 31.Additionally, the control program setting information may be stored inthe ROM 19 instead of the IC card 31.

If, in step S1-7, the dip switch 36 is not set in the state to use thecontrol program stored in the IC card 31, the control program is notstarted.

If an access command is delivered from the personal computer 3 in stepS1-9, the MO controller 16 determines whether the access command relatesto read access or write access in step S1-10. If the access commandrelates to read access, then it is determined whether or not the user ofthe IC card 31 inserted in the IC card reader unit 7 is permitted tomake read access in step S1-11. The determination in step S1-11 is madeby checking whether the first bit of the access right information (thethird field) in the IC card 31 is valid(“1”) or invalid (“0”). If thefirst bit of the access right information in the IC card 31 is invalid,an error signal is returned to the personal computer 3 in step S1-12. Onthe other hand, if the first bit of the access right information isvalid, read access to the magneto-optic disk 17 is permitted in stepS1-13.

If, in step S1-10, the access command delivered from the personalcomputer 3 relates to write access, then it is determined whether theuser of the IC card 31 inserted in the IC card reader unit 7 ispermitted to make write access in step S1-14. The determination in stepS1-14 is made by checking whether the second bit of the access rightinformation (the third field) in the IC card 31 is valid (“1”) orinvalid (“0”). If the second bit of the access right information in theIC card 31 is invalid, an error signal is returned to the personalcomputer 3 in step S1-12. On the other hand, if the second bit of theaccess right information is valid, write access to the magneto-opticdisk 17 is permitted in step S1-15.

If write access is performed after the control program for encryptioncontained in the IC card 31 is started in steps S1-8, data encoded bythe control program is recorded on the magneto-optic disk 17. In thiscase, the data recorded on the magneto-optic disk 17 cannot be correctlyread out without decoding by the same control program. Thus, by settingthe dip switch 36 so as to use the control program, it is possible topermit only the users who have the IC card 31 containing the samecontrol program to read information from the magneto-optic disk 17 amongthose who are permitted to access the information storage system 2.

As described above, according to the information storage system 2 of thepresent embodiment, the personal computer 3 cannot access themagneto-optic disk 17 unless the IC card 31 is inserted in the IC cardreader unit 7. Additionally, when the IC card 31 is inserted in the ICcard reader unit 7, the personal computer 3 cannot access themagneto-optic disk 17 unless the user ID recorded on the IC card 31 isregistered in the user ID management table 20 of the information storagesystem 2, that is, unless the user is permitted to use the informationstorage system 2. Further, when the user ID recorded on the IC card 31is registered in the user ID management table 20, data cannot be freelyread out from the magneto-optic disk 17 since the access isindependently permitted for read access and write access based on theaccess right information contained in the IC card 31. Still further, byusing the control program for encryption contained in the IC card 31,information can be prevented from being read out from the magneto-opticdisk 17, even if the information storage system 2 can be accessed.

Thus, it is possible to prevent a large amount of information from beingtaken away after having been copied to the magneto-optic disk 17.

It should be noted that execution of the encryption can be readilycancelled by changing the state of the dip switch 36 so that the systemcan be used as an open system.

Now a description will be given of second embodiment according to thepresent invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an information storagesystem 41 of the second embodiment according to the present invention.In FIG. 8, parts corresponding those of FIG. 3 are given the samereference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the above first embodiment, an error signal is supplied to thepersonal computer 3 in response to the access command when the IC cardinsertion detecting switch 35 is in an OFF state, that is, when the ICcard 31 is not inserted in the predetermined position of the IC cardreader unit 7. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, power supplyto the information storage system 41 is not turned on when the IC cardinsertion detecting switch 35 is in an OFF state.

In the information storage system 41 of the present embodiment, the ICcard insertion detecting switch 35 is connected to a power supplycircuit 42 for supplying power to each part of the information storagesystem 41.

A main switch 43 is connected to the power supply circuit 42. The powersupply circuit 42 is supplied with a power supply voltage Vcc via themain switch 43 and the IC card insertion detecting switch 35 which areconnected in series. Thus, only when both the main switch 43 and the ICcard insertion detecting switch 35 are turned on, the power supplycircuit 42 supplies power to each part of the information storage system41. Hence, if the main switch 43 is turned on, the information storagesystem 41 is not supplied with power when the IC card insertiondetecting switch 35 is in an OFF state, that is, when the IC card 31 isnot inserted the predetermined position of the IC card reader unit 7.

In the present embodiment, the information storage system 41 is notsupplied with power when the IC card insertion detecting switch 35 is inan OFF state, as described above. Thus, according to the presentembodiment, when the IC card 31 is not inserted in the predeterminedposition of the IC card reader unit 7, the personal computer 3 cannotaccess the information storage system 41 even if the main switch 43 isturned on.

In the present embodiment, it is not necessary for the MO controller 16to detect the state of the IC card insertion detecting switch 35. Thus,the MO controller 16 operates according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6with step S1-2 being omitted.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments can be easilyimplemented without changing application programs contained in thepersonal computer 3.

In the above embodiments, the access right information is stored in theIC card 31. However, an other medium such as another magneto-optic diskor a floppy disk may be used instead of the IC card 31 by providing acorresponding reader unit.

Additionally, in the above embodiments, the information storage systemaccording to the present invention is constructed as a magneto-opticdisk apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied toother types of information storage systems which operate with othertypes of removable recording media such as a phase-change type opticaldisk, a DVD-ROM/RAM, or a floppy disk.

Further, although the personal computer 3 is connected via the SCSIinterface in the above-mentioned embodiments, it is also possible to useother types of interfaces.

Still further, in the above embodiments, the IC card 31 and the IC cardreader unit 7 are of a contact type. However, the IC card and the ICcard reader may be of a non-contact type or of a combined type of thesetwo types.

Additionally, the IC card reader and the magneto-optic disk recordingand reproducing apparatus need not be integrally constructed, but theymay be constructed as separate units so long as the access rightinformation can be transmitted therebetween.

Further, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, butvariations and modifications may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention.

The present application is based on Japanese priority application No.10-2595 filed on Jan. 8, 1998, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information storage system connectable to acomputer comprising: a first information storage device capable ofaccessing a first removable recording medium; a second informationstorage device capable of accessing a second removable recording medium;and an access controller controlling an access to said first removablerecording medium by said first information storage device based on aresult of an access to said second removable recording medium by saidsecond information storage device prior to the access to said firstremovable recording medium by said first information storage device;wherein said access controller accesses said second removable recordingmedium without interaction with the computer, and then controls accessto the first removable recording medium according to the result.
 2. Theinformation storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said secondinformation storage device comprises a medium detector for detectingsaid second removable recording medium mounted in a predeterminedposition where said second removable recording medium can be accessed bysaid second information storage device.
 3. The information storagesystem as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said access controller permitssaid first information storage device to access said first removablerecording medium when said medium detector detects said second removablerecording medium mounted in said predetermined position.
 4. Theinformation storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said secondinformation storage device comprises an information reader for readingout information recorded on said second removable recording medium. 5.The information storage system as claimed in claim 4, wherein: saidsecond removable recording medium is provided with access permissioninformation recorded thereon; and said access controller controls accessto said first removable recording medium by said first informationstorage device based on said access permission information read by saidinformation reader.
 6. The information storage system as claimed inclaim 5, wherein: said access permission information comprises writepermission information for permitting said first information storagedevice to write information to said first removable recording medium. 7.The information storage system as claimed in claim 5, wherein: saidaccess permission information comprises read permission information forpermitting said first information storage device to read informationfrom said first removable recording medium.
 8. The information storagesystem as claimed in claim 6, wherein: said access controller permitssaid first information storage device to write information to said firstremovable recording medium when said write permission information isvalid.
 9. The information storage system as claimed in claim 7, wherein:said access controller permits said first information storage device toread information from said first removable recording medium when saidread permission information is valid.
 10. The information storage systemas claimed in claim 1, wherein said access controller is provided withinsaid first information storage device.
 11. An information storage systemconnectable to a computer comprising: a first information storage devicecapable of accessing a first removable recording medium; a secondinformation storage device capable of accessing a second removablerecording medium; and an access controller, independent of a computer,controlling an access to said first removable recording medium by saidfirst information storage device based on a result of an access to saidsecond removable recording medium by said second information storagedevice prior to the access to said first removable recording medium bysaid first information storage device; wherein said second informationstorage device comprises a medium detector for detecting said secondremovable recording medium mounted in a predetermined position wheresaid second removable recording medium can be accessed by said secondinformation storage device; and said access controller turns on powersupply to said first information storage device when said mediumdetector detects said second removable recording medium mounted in saidpredetermined position.
 12. An information storage system connectable toa computer comprising: a first information storage device capable ofaccessing a first removable recording medium; a second informationstorage device capable of accessing a second removable recording medium;and an access controller, independent of a computer, controlling anaccess to said first removable recording medium by said firstinformation storage device based on a result of an access to said secondremovable recording medium by said second information storage deviceprior to the access to said first removable recording medium by saidfirst information storage device; wherein said second informationstorage device comprises an information reader for reading outinformation recorded on said second removable recording medium; saidsecond removable recording medium is provided with access permissioninformation recorded thereon; said access permission informationcomprises a control program for controlling said access controller; saidaccess controller controls access to said first removable recordingmedium by said first information storage device in accordance with saidcontrol program; and said access controller controls access to saidfirst removable recording medium by said first information storagedevice based on said access permission information read by saidinformation reader.
 13. The information storage system as claimed inclaim 12, further comprising: a control program setting part forvalidating or invalidating said control program.
 14. The informationstorage system as claimed in claim 13, wherein: said access controllercontrols access to said first removable recording medium by said firstinformation storage device in accordance with said control program whensaid control program is validated by said control program setting part;and said access controller controls access to said first removablerecording medium by said first information storage device irrespectiveof said control program when said control program is invalidated by saidcontrol program setting part.
 15. An information storage systemcomprising: a first information storage device for accessing a firstremovable recording medium; a second information storage device foraccessing a second removable recording medium to read out first accesspermission information recorded on said second removable recordingmedium; an access permission information storage part for storing secondaccess permission information; and an access controller for permittingsaid first information storage device to access said first removablerecording medium when said first access permission information read outby said second information storage device and said second accesspermission information stored in said access permission informationstorage part satisfy a predetermined condition.
 16. The informationstorage system as claimed in claim 15, wherein: said access controllerpermits said first information storage device to access said firstremovable recording medium when said first access permission informationcorresponds to said second access permission information.
 17. Theinformation storage system as claimed in claim 15, wherein: said firstaccess permission information comprises write permission information forpermitting said first information storage device to write information tosaid first removable recording medium.
 18. The information storagesystem as claimed in claim 15, wherein: said first access permissioninformation comprises read permission information for permitting saidfirst information storage device to read information from said firstremovable recording medium.
 19. The information storage system asclaimed in claim 17, wherein: said access controller permits said firstinformation storage device to write information to said first removablerecording medium when said write permission information is valid. 20.The information storage system as claimed in claim 18, wherein: saidaccess controller permits said first information storage device to readinformation from said first removable recording medium when said readpermission information is valid.
 21. The information storage system asclaimed in claim 15, wherein: said first access permission informationcomprises a control program for controlling said access controller; andsaid access controller controls access to said first removable recordingmedium by said first information storage device in accordance with saidcontrol program.
 22. The information storage system as claimed in claim21, further comprising: a control program setting part for validating orinvalidating said control program.
 23. The information storage system asclaimed in claim 20, wherein: said access controller controls access tosaid first removable recording medium by said first information storagedevice in accordance with said control program when said control programis validated by said control program setting part; and said accesscontroller controls access to said first removable recording medium bysaid first information storage device irrespective of said controlprogram when said control program is invalidated by said control programsetting part.
 24. An apparatus which can be connected to a firstinformation storage device for accessing a first removable recordingmedium and a second information storage device for accessing a secondremovable recording medium, comprising: an access controller, providedwithin said first information storage device, controlling an access tosaid first removable recording medium by said first information storagedevice based on a result of an access to said second removable recordingmedium by said second information storage device prior to the access tosaid first removable recording medium by said first information storagedevice; wherein said access controller accesses said second removablerecording medium without interaction with a computer, and then controlsaccess to the first removable recording medium according to the result.25. An access controlling method adapted to an apparatus which can beconnected to a first information storage device for accessing a firstremovable recording medium and a second information storage device foraccessing a second removable recording medium, comprising the step of:controlling, within said first information storage device, an access tosaid first removable recording medium by said first information storagedevice based on a result of an access to said second removable recordingmedium by said second information storage device prior to the access tosaid first removable recording medium by said first information storagedevice; wherein said first information storage device accesses saidsecond removable recording medium without interaction with a computer,and then controls access to the first removable recording mediumaccording to the result.